“Two Goals from Debutant Cosgrave Power Louth to Division 3 Victory”

Allianz National Hurling League

Division 3 – Round 3

From Brewster Park, Enniskillen

Louth 3-20
Fermanagh 2-19

Louth Senior Hurlers recorded their second win of the Allianz National Hurling League Division 3 campaign with a dramatic four-point victory over Fermanagh at Brewster Park, bouncing back impressively after last weekend’s defeat to Tyrone.

In a high-scoring and fiercely contested encounter, Andrew Cosgrave produced a match-winning display, finishing with 2-2 after recently relocating from Limerick, where he lined out alongside the likes of Aaron Gillane and Cian Lynch. His impact, allied to a strong closing spell, ensured Louth emerged on top after a tense finish.

First Half

Louth made a blistering start and raced into an early lead thanks to goals from Andrew Cosgrave and Ciaran McKelvey, immediately putting the hosts under pressure. The early majors allowed Louth to dictate the tempo, with Darren Geoghegan sharp from placed balls and Sean Flynn lively around the middle third.

Fermanagh gradually settled into the contest, responding through the accuracy of Seán Corrigan and Dannan McKeogh, but Louth’s work rate and efficiency kept them narrowly in front heading towards the interval, with Cosgrave’s physical presence causing constant problems.

Full-time: Louth 2-11 Fermanagh 0-13.

Second Half

The game opened up significantly after the restart, with both sides trading scores in an end-to-end battle. Fermanagh pushed hard, finding a goal through substitute Dylan Bannon, while Louth continued to rely on Cosgrave’s power and McKelvey’s finishing from both play and frees.

With seven minutes remaining, the sides were level, setting up a tense finale. However, Louth showed impressive composure when it mattered most. Cosgrave again led the charge, while crucial points from James Costelloe, Darren Geoghegan, and Sean Flynn swung the momentum decisively.

Louth finished the contest strongly, striking the final four points of the game to pull clear and secure a deserved four-point victory on the road.

Full-time: Louth 3-20 Fermanagh 2-19.

Louth: Conor Clancy; Stephen Kettle, Aaron McGuinness, Sean Hodgins; John Casey, Peter Fortune (0-1), Michael O’Shea; Andrew Cosgrave (2-2), Sean Flynn (0-3); Seaghan Conneely, Darren Geoghegan (0-4, 4f), Kyle Rafferty; Mark Gahan (0-3), Conor Murphy (0-2), Ciaran McKelvey (1-4, 2f)

Subs: Paddy Lynch for Ciaran McKelvey (46 Mins), James Murphy for Seaghan Conneely (60 Mins), James Costelloe (0-1) for Mark Gahan (65 Mins), Sean Magill for Kyle Rafferty (70 Mins).

Fermanagh: Mark Slevin; Pádraig Johnston, Caoimhín Heaney, Ciarán Duffy; Ben Corrigan (0-1), Danny Teague (0-1), Thomas Burns; Caolan Duffy (0-2, 1f), Ódhrán Johnston (0-1); Dannan McKeogh (0-5, 5f), Tom Keenan, Cahir McManus; Seán Corrigan (0-7), Eoin Cleary, Jimmy Tormey (0-1).

Subs: Tom Keenan (0-1) for Eoin Cleary, Cahir McManus on for Eamonn Og Magee, Dylan Bannon (1-0) for Tom Keenan, Darragh Flanagan on for Odhran Johnston.